Extraordinary Things
As I begin the book of Luke, I take note of Jesus’ impact on others. With Jesus in the room, as Healer and Teacher, we find people seized with amazement. We find people glorifying God. We find everyone filled with awe. I love how Luke puts it in 5:26 after Jesus forgives the sins of […]
What You Appreciate Most
As a college professor, I’ve probably written over 100 recommendations for students as they seek internships, jobs, or graduate school acceptances. I also take phone calls and answer emails for personal reference checks on students. This week, a company contacted me to answer a few questions about a former student. I loved this question in […]
Noticing What Others Love to Talk About
Today I realized how much my older students love to talk about high school. Before COVID, they enjoyed the regular things high schoolers do: prom, graduation, socializing. When I mentioned my youngest daughter will mostly likely have a prom (while the oldest daughter didn’t due to COVID), all the girls immediately wanted to talk about […]
Always a Curious Cat Nearby
When I sit down at my desk, Louie Von Whiskers awaits. I love having a curious creature in my home, especially a cat devoted to observing the writing life.
Prayer of Consecration and Surrender
In the morning, we can tell God we belong to Him fully and without reservation. We can tell Him the day belongs to Him and we are available for His use. We can surrender and consecrate our lives. We can say, “Do what you wish with me today!”
And the Sun Shall Visit You
I love Zechariah’s prophecy about his son in Luke 1. I notice a strange capitalization when I look up Luke 1:76-79: And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, […]
The Cold, Dark Morning of Joy
This morning, I woke up early enough to watch the sunrise from where I sat with my Bible and journal. I ventured out into the blue-black morning and saw the buttery light coming from underneath the trees far away. I bundled up and dragged the garbage can and recycling bin to the curb. I loved […]
No Major Decisions
This morning I laughed when my friend sent me the wise words of a man who said something like, “Don’t make any major decisions in February.” Because it’s such a dreary month in Pennsylvania (often bitter cold, grey, and icy), we tend to give way to boredom, low mood, and isolation. So it’s possible we’ll […]
Structures of Support
When you want to reach a goal or make a change in your life, you need structures of support to help you. If you feel like you are unable to achieve your goals, think about where, when, and how you need support. Some people need accountability so they check in with someone about their goal. […]
2 Fresh Questions and a 2 Minute Stretch
I’m leading a seminar to help graduate students and faculty teach an advanced writing course I designed. Two of our guiding class principles involve building community and having fun. People learn better when they feel connected and happy. I love classrooms that foster a positive mood, laughter, and belonging. I also advocate for a daily […]